Croatia Istria Wine Roads

There is something magical in Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula, immersed in the blue of the Adriatic. Its green forests, historic hilltop towns, vineyards, olive groves and gentle rivers are a perfect combination of the beauty of nature, history and culture. When you add to this the seductive tastes of excellent Istrian wines, you just know that this is an area which offers you everything you need.

Enjoy an easy bike ride and explore Istria, passing through the hidden medieval towns of Gronjan, Oprtalj, Motovun, and the former Roman colony of Poreè whose charm will leave you breathless. Passing through a landscape of hills framed by rivers, with forests, vineyards and olive groves, you'll enjoy every moment. Take a break at the winemakers and taste indigenous wines such as Malvasia and Teran, treat yourself to tasty delicacies and experience all the charms of Istria, this exciting Croatian wine region.

Price from : 1280€
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Croatia
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day

Click below to see hotels versions.

Day 1 :   Arrival day

Arrival in Buje where you will meet your local guide. Upon arrival to your hotel in Buje, we will provide you with the package including hotel vouchers, bicycle with all equipment, maps and a roadbook. Overnight in Buje, in heart of Istria, a peaceful oasis for relaxation and an ideal starting point for daily exploration of this beautiful area.

Day 2 :   Buje to Zambratija to Buje

Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 530 Meters 

This roundtrip bike tour starts with an easy downhill ride towards the coast of the northwestern point of the Istrian peninsula. You will come across a very interesting lighthouse, Savudjrija, open to visitors. Savudrija is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Adriatic coastline. According to legend, it was built by Count Metternich as his love nest. It is also the northern most Istrian lighthouse. It measures 36 meters in height and its keeper lives in it year-round.

Your tour continues south to Umag. This small town has almost 45 kilometers of coastline and an interesting hinterland that makes it the best introduction of a new experience on the Mediterranean. Umag's history is also extremely interesting; it was founded by roman nobleman who decided to make it his summer residence. The glamour and magnificence of the Venetian times can be seen today in houses buildings protected by fortifications that date to the 10th century. Surrounding vineyards and olive groves will create an atmosphere of typical west Istrian landscape. Visit wine cellars to taste the muscat, a local sort of wine.

Day 3 :   Buje to Brtonigla to Novigrad

Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 499 Meters 

From Buje area you're cycling through Kršete, a picturesque village and arriving to the small town of Brtonigla. You will come across churches and monasteries dating from XVth century. Further along the tour leads through vineyards and olive groves of the Brtonigla area. Their Teran wine is very popular from this area.

Across endless vineyards, you'll reach Novigrad where you can visit an olive oil production and taste some of the best oils. In one word taste Istria. Then cycle through coastal village founded by Venetian bishops. The tour continues through Škrinjari, Babii and Buroli villages where you'll see a more traditional Istrian architecture. A road through the vineyards will bring you back to your hotel.

Day 4 :   Buje to Motovun

Distance 1 : 24 Miles - 38 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 747 Meters 

From Buje you will continue towards Groznjan. This typical Istrian medieval town sprouts up high on top of a hill along the right coast of the river Mirna. Ramble along its streets in which behind many a door leads to art studios or galleries, and from which can be heard strains of different music airs. You’ll understand why Groznjan is known as "The town of artists".

Oprtalj seems unchanged since its urban medieval era. See the narrow streets, the shops, the beautiful Venetian palaces, portals and covered passages, and particularly the unique view to the Istrian peninsula from the town loggia. According to many, the panorama is the most beautiful of Istria. From Oprtalj you will head downhill enjoying the view of the Mirna River, its forest and arrive in Livade, the truffle center of Istria where you can visit the local truffle shops and taste it in various forms. On the hill in front of the Livade is Motovun, surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval hill town. You will stay overnight in hotel "Kaštel" in Motovun.

Day 5 :   Motovun to Porec

Distance 1 : 25 Miles - 40 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 419 Meters 

This part of the trip travels back to the coast. It follows the road to Višnjan where you will pass by an observatory. It’s one of the 5 most famous observatories in the world. The road continues to the town of Višnjan which arrives at 246 meters in altitude and from there you'll be able to catch a view on west Istrian coast and the coastal town of Porec.

In Višnjan it is possible to visit many wine cellars with wines from the Porec area. Try malvasia, an excellent locally produced wine with a rising international reputation. The tour continues to Tar, a little town on the hill above the sea and to Nova Vas village known for its famous wine cellar that is open to visits. Travel through more picturesque villages to reach Porec.

Day 6 :   Porec to Vrsar to Porec

Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 460 Meters 

From Porec the journey starts with sightseeing of Euphrasiana, the most important monument in Porec. It’s a church built in 6th century. Follow the road until you reach the village of Bacva. Bacva is the highest point of this stage and there is local restaurant with traditional dishes where you can enjoy local food. The trip continues south and comes down to the coastal town of Vrsar.

With a commanding view of the coast, it was natural for Vrsar to become a defensive fortress. Only parts of the fortification, built in the 12th century, have been preserved but the castle was used as a summer residence by the Porec bishops. It’s well worth a look. After Vrsar the tour passes through a traditional fishing village, Funtana, and then more touristic villages, Zelena and Plava Laguna on the doorstep of Porec.

Day 7 :   Porec to Kanfanar to Rovinj

Option 1 : 21 Miles - 33 Km  Option 2 : 40 Miles - 65 Km 
Elevation gain 1 : 562 Meters  Elevation gain 2 : 732 Meters 

After breakfast you can choose to be transferred to Kanfanar or reach it on your own. Kanfanar is a small town above the Lim valley. From Kanfanar starts the flattest ride in this tour. Passing by Istrian inland villages you will see traditional Istrian tool houses (kazun). After reaching Bale you can visit the Bebmbo palace, city square, and museum. Continue to Rovinj and on the way you'll see "Palud" an ornithological reserve in which you can cycle around. After village Kokuletovica you can stop in Monkodonja.

Monkodonja is a prehistoric hill town inhabited about 1800-1200 BC during the Bronze Age. After Monkodonja you will reach Rovinj, the goal of this tour, the "Pearl of Adriatic". With its church and belltower perched on the hill by the sea its recognizable from all sides. The old town is referred to as Istrian Venice. It once was an island and then connected to land. It’s famous for its traditional boats called batana. Restaurants serving fresh fish and glasses of malvasia will complete the charm of Rovinj.

Day 8 :   Departure day

Departure after breakfast. Depending on your wishes, we can arrange additional accommodation or transportation before or after your tour.

Average / Day : Distance : 46.14 Km / 28.71 Miles - Elevation gain : 564.14 Meters

Click below to see hotels versions.


Day : 1, 2, 3

Situated in a rural area of Istria just 10 km from the sea, it is a peaceful oasis for relaxation and an ideal starting point for daily exploration of this beautiful area. The family owned Casa Romantica Parenzana is located on the Parenzana, an old disused Austro Hungarian railway line which once connected Trieste with Pore. The old railway is currently under restoration as a bike trail and passes through three countries (Italy, Slovenia and Croatia). In our restaurant we offer traditional regional delicacies such as ripnja (roast meat or fish and potatoes cooked in a cast iron pot on an open hearth fire). Our cuisine culture is based on providing natural, healthy food, prepared and served in the traditional yet sophisticated way!


Day : 4

Villa Borgo is situated at the top of medieval town of Motovun surrounded by hills full of vineyards and olive groves, old towns and valley of the river Mirna. The Villa is a recently restored building. Originally, it was an old traditional stone house, situated in the first row overlooking the magnificent charm of Istria’s hinterland. The terrace offers the most beautiful sight of Istria’s inland beauties and the specific quality of this house is also the vicinity of the main square, the walls as well as the main street filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. Villa Borgo offers several different types of rooms so that accommodation can be adjusted to personal wishes and needs.


Day : 5, 6

The year-round opened Hotel POREC is since 1997 privately owned. It is perfectly located just opposite the marina with only 9 minutes walking distance to the city center as well as the beach. Our hotel impresses by its friendly atmosphere. Also pets are welcome guests in our house.You can indulge yourself in our restaurant or enjoy an extensive breakfast on our terrace, you can relax in the beauty area by having a massage or spend some exciting moments in the casino.


Day : 7

Our small hotel is located in a residential quarter near the sea and other hotels. The hotel has 17 rooms and 3 hotel suites which are exactly what you wanted for your holiday and your family. A lift and sauna, as well as a “magic lamp” wait to free you from your travel fatigue. The day bar is open all day and you will be thrilled by the Istrian wines. They are waiting for you to discover them. You will also taste our cakes too when you return from swimming or a stroll. In the evening you can look at the sky, stars and planets above Croatia as there are two good telescopes on the mansard.


Day : 1, 2, 3

Set in the Istrian village of Brtonigla, Boutique Hotel San Rocco is a luxurious heritage hotel nestled in a historic building and offering exclusive accommodation in unique surroundings. The hotel consists of 14 double rooms. Each room is designed to detail and each offers a unique atmosphere. Details in wood, stone and wrought iron evoke local tradition and are closely related to the territory. The elegant restaurant drawn by the spaces where once the family’s Malvasia and Terrano wines were produced offers a vast gastronomic array based mainly on typical seasonal specialties, such as fresh locally caught fish, truffles, mushrooms, ham, game and other typical Istrian specialities.


Day : 4

Hotel Kastel is located in the ancient Istrian town of Motovun, at the very top of a hill encircled by medieval walls, where from a height of 277m one is offered an unforgettable view of the valley of the River Mirna, the Motovun forest and surroundings of central Istria.


Day : 5, 6

Built in 1910, in the contemporary style of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, the former “Hotel Riviera“is the first hotel in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the town of Porec whose guests were aristocrats. The hotel was renovated in 2009 with respect for the original architecture, and after many years it opened its doors once again, under the name of „Grand Hotel Palazzo“. The hotel offers its international clientele a union of luxurious architecture of a past era and comfort of first-rate modern catering. Surrounded by the deep blue Adriatic Sea, with a view of the harbor and just a step away from the picturesque historic centre of the town of Poreč, the hotel offers its guests total comfort, with many recreation and relaxing possibilities: elegantly furnished rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a secluded wellness and spa zone, a space for seminars and congresses, as well as a restaurant and a café.


Day : 7

A historic building in a cobblestone street leading to the church of St Euphemia and steps away from Rovinj's main square has been carefully renovated and transformed into a charming small hotel, where traditional features are combined with up to date facilities to ensure a unique and comfortable stay.

Bikes available for your tour

The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Hybrid bike - Standard
MUSING TWINROAD LITE - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED

Combining the advantages of a mountain and road bike, the Musing Twinroad Lite is a dream for trekking or commuting. With a bump-dampening suspension fork, racks, and powerful V-brakes, it has all of the refinements that a trekking bike should.

Accessories


INCLUDED

Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.

All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).


INCLUDED

Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.


INCLUDED

Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...

Daily Elevation Profiles
Average / Day : Distance : 46.14 Km / 28.71 Miles - Elevation gain : 564.14 Meters
Day 2 :   Buje to Zambratija to Buje

Option 1: 32 Miles - 52 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 530 Meters 

Day 3 :   Buje to Brtonigla to Novigrad

Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 499 Meters 

Day 4 :   Buje to Motovun

Option 1: 24 Miles - 38 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 747 Meters 

Day 5 :   Motovun to Porec

Option 1: 25 Miles - 40 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 419 Meters 

Day 6 :   Porec to Vrsar to Porec

Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 460 Meters 

Day 7 :   Porec to Kanfanar to Rovinj

Option 1: 21 Miles - 33 Km  Elevation gain 1 : 562 Meters 

Option 2: 40 Miles - 65 Km  Elevation gain 2 : 732 Meters 

Included

  • 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
  • Daily breakfast at each hotel
  • Hybrid bike rental included
  • Orientation in person with our local guide
  • Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
  • Guidance Application (phone not provided)
  • All luggage transfers
  • Comprehensive trip literature
  • Technical and emergency support available at all times

What's not included

  • Dinners
  • Airfare to and from the trip
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Drinks
  • Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.

Informations & Recommendations

Transfer is included to your first hotel for people arriving in Porec.

We can organize private transfer for other arrival destinations such as Pula, Trieste, Venice for example (extra fees on request).

You can use public transport to reach Buje, there are local buses running from Pula, Trieste, Venice and Ljubljana to Buje bus station. In that case please let us know your time of arrival and will pick you up at the Buje bus station and drive you to your hotel.

Tour rates

Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.

Price from* & per person Double occupancy Single supplement
(traveling with a group)
Solo traveler
(traveling alone)
Standard 1280 € 250 € 1740 €
Upgraded 1730 € 730 € 2615 €
*Rates vary according to hotel availability and specific start date. Please contact us for triple room rates

Accessories

Accessories
Guidance Application Included
Biking Roadbook Included
Travelbook Included

Bikes available

Bikes available Options per person
Road Bike Rental
    Standard 120 €
Electric assist bike
    Standard 80 €



Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Services available

Services available
Cancelation insurance 6%

Bot scann is mandatory